Cow's milk allergy in children refers to an allergic reaction that occurs when a child drinks cow's milk or regular formula, and it usually affects children under two years old.
Generally, doctors recommend breastfeeding because it is the most natural and nutritionally complete food for a child. However, if breastfeeding is not possible due to insufficient breast milk or other reasons, then the addition of cow's milk or formula needs to be considered. If the child is also allergic to cow's milk, parents should pay special attention to the child's nutritional status.
Learn to identify the symptoms of cow's milk allergy
Certain proteins in cow's milk, such as casein and whey protein, are common allergens. A child's digestive system is not yet fully developed. If proteins enter the body in an undigested form, it acts as a foreign stimulus to the body, easily leading to allergic symptoms. Of course, this is also related to the child's own immune function; children with an allergic constitution are more prone to cow's milk allergy.
"Cow's milk allergy in children can easily cause various manifestations in the skin, digestive tract, and respiratory system. Common symptoms include eczema, vomiting, diarrhea, and even bloody stools," says Wang Xiaoyan. The most common skin reaction is eczema, or the worsening of eczema symptoms. Digestive reactions are mainly gastrointestinal irritation, such as vomiting, loose stools, increased frequency of bowel movements, and in severe cases, blood in the stool. Severe cases can also lead to respiratory diseases, such as asthma.
"However, these symptoms are not necessarily caused by cow's milk allergy. Eczema is a common illness in children under one year old, and intestinal infections or other surgical conditions can also cause problems like diarrhea and bloody stools."
To determine if a child has a cow's milk allergy, first, parents should observe whether these symptoms appear after adding formula to the child's diet. Second, when seeing a doctor, the doctor will make a diagnosis based on the child's onset time, course of the illness, and symptoms, and promptly perform allergy testing.
Helping the baby adapt to special formula
"Generally, doctors recommend that parents choose special hydrolyzed protein formula or amino acid formula for children with cow's milk allergy. Depending on the degree of hydrolysis of the milk protein, hydrolyzed protein formulas come in different types, while amino acid formulas are directly formulated with amino acids.""These formulas do not contain large-molecule proteins and can avoid the allergic reactions that occur with regular formula."
However, for children, it is not easy to accept these formulas. Amino acids themselves are bitter, and formulas containing amino acid components are also bitter. Therefore, if the child's allergic reaction is mild, parents can start with a formula with a lower degree of hydrolysis, because the higher the degree of hydrolysis, the more difficult the taste is to accept. Then, according to the child's symptomatic reactions and acceptance level, make appropriate arrangements. Parents should try their best to help the child adapt to the taste of these formulas.
In addition, goat's milk and cow's milk are related, so children with cow's milk allergy should also be cautious when drinking goat's milk.
Scientifically plan the complementary food introduction plan
If the child can accept hydrolyzed protein formula and amino acid formula, that is the best. Because the ratio of various nutrients in these formulas meets national standards and can provide the nutrition and energy needed for a child's growth. "A small amount of sugar can also be added to the formula, but over time, if the child gets used to a sweet taste, it may affect future eating habits and health conditions such as dental development."
When the baby gets a little older, they can get nutrients from other foods by gradually adding complementary foods. Parents can reasonably arrange for the child to consume staples, meats, vegetables, and fruits according to the child's needs for nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins. Generally, after the age of two, as the digestive function develops, most children will no longer be allergic to cow's milk.
When testing for allergens in children with cow's milk allergy, doctors generally recommend testing for several other allergens, such as whether they are also allergic to eggs, seafood, etc. "Alternatively, you don't have to rush the testing, but parents should be more attentive when adding complementary foods, trying them one by one. If you suspect the child has an allergic reaction to other foods, you should also try to see a doctor and ask for help in creating a nutritional plan suitable for the child."